The 5-mile stretch of beach around Allonby Bay is made up of sand, shingle and pebbles along the high tide mark. At low tide a vast expanse of sand is revealed.

From the beach there are attractive views across the Solway Estuary and towards the Lake District and Scottish Fells. On clear days it is sometimes possible to see the Isle of Man in the distance. The waters of the bay are relatively shallow and the area is popular with anglers and water-sport enthusiasts as well as the usual day-trippers.

The area has some interesting flora and fauna including a species of Natterjack toad and rare honeycomb worm reef which might be found at the beach at low tide.

Just next to the beach, the small village of Allonby has an interesting history and retains some attractive features. In the 18th century it was a fashionable bathing resort. There are some interesting historical buildings to see, including the former Bathing House, where members of society came to take the waters. For walkers, the Cumbrian Coastal Way passes through the village.

There is evidence of the area having been occupied in Roman times and just to the south of the beach are the remains of Milefort 21, part of a Roman defence system.